15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in China

"Healthcare services in China are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and provides basic medical services to citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies from region to region, but generally it is considered to be of a good standard. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in China can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for certain services. In addition, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," mentioned one expat in China.

"It is IMPERATIVE that you speak Chinese or else you need to take someone who is FLUENT in Chinese as interpreter. Some doctors speak English (or rather Chinglish) and communication is critical in receiving appropriate medical care. Also, be aware that the average Chinese person most likely will not have the medical vocabulary, so unless you have a medical interpreter communication will still be challenging, but it will be better than nothing," commented one expat who moved to Shenzhen, China.

"Medical services in China are generally of a high standard, with a wide range of modern facilities and equipment available. Many hospitals in China are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, providing a range of services from general practice to specialist care. Chinese hospitals also offer a variety of traditional Chinese medicine treatments, such as acupuncture and herbal remedies. In addition, many Chinese cities have international hospitals that provide medical services in English and other languages," mentioned one expat in China.

"Healthcare and health insurance in China can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is more affordable than private healthcare, but the quality of care may not be as high. Health insurance plans vary in cost, but they can be expensive for those who need comprehensive coverage. Additionally, many Chinese citizens are not covered by health insurance, which can make medical care even more expensive," said an expat in China.

"Men in China over 55 and woman over 50 do not qualify for National Healthcare, so employers have to pay for private insurance. However, the coverage is comprehensive. You do need to get prior approval from the insurance company, but that is to be certain you go to the proper medical facility.," commented one expat living in Shenzhen, China.

"In addition to a number of smaller local clinics., there are 2 BIG hospitals in Shenzhen. The main hospital is Peking University Hospital (Shenzhen), sometimes referred to as Beijing University Hospital by locals. The other is Hong Kong University Hospital (Shenzhen). Both are readily accessible by either bus or metro. Both are public. I have had extensive experience in both hospitals, so the following information is based on my personal experience. Peking University Hospital is older and services the masses. However, they have a VIP service area (6th floor) and will provide a medical interpreter. Although you will not find very many foreigners at this hospital, the staff overall is very helpful and professional. In fact, I felt extremely well-cared for and was treated with respect, but privacy and cleanliness can be an issue. For the most part, the Chinese have no concept of personal space or privacy, so if you don't have anyone with you to guard the door, people will literally barge into exam rooms as they are anxiously waiting their turn. However, knowing this in advance, you can establish boundaries and maintain a respectable degree of privacy. The medical staff and even patients will do their best to try and help you. In terms of hygiene standards, please bear in mind that this is China. As I stated, this hospital serves the masses, but they do their best to keep it clean, which still pales in comparison to any hospital or clinic you would find in USA. Again, the staff is extremely helpful and the quality of care was outstanding. Hong Kong University Hospital (Shenzhen), is very new, but still public. It is not as centrally located as the other hospital and therefore, is not as busy. Also, as it is new, it is much cleaner. HOWEVER, regardless of what you are told by local Chinese, VERY FEW GENERAL STAFF SPEAK ENGLISH. But they do have some English speaking doctors. The big issue is navigating the system to get to the doctors because I found many of the staff to be very impersonal. Remember Chinese are shy by nature and therefore, not very customer service oriented, so I found that the staff would just point, which is really not so helpful when you need specific information. I received medical care at both of these hospital. At Peking University Hospital (Shenzhen) I was treated for a stroke. Getting the diagnosis was quick because getting diagnostic tests done is extremely efficient. I chose NOT to be hospitalized and received out-patient treatment for 2 hours 3 times a week. Unfortunately, my treatment was NOT covered by my employer's private insurance plan. The costs were less than in USA, but still expensive by Chinese standards. Thankfully, I made a full recovery, no doubt in part to the excellent medical care. At Hong Kong University Hospital (Shenzhen), I received medical treatment for both a broken rib and to diagnosis and treat colorectal cancer. It was a major ordeal to get the proper diagnosis for my cancer, but getting the x-rays, CT scans, blood work, etc. was extremely efficient. In terms of the medical care that I received while I was there, I would say that it was adequate, but there were MAJOR language barriers and numerous miscommunications because the hospital does NOT have translators. Again, I had been told repeatedly that the staff speaks English, but I ASSURE YOU THEY SPEAK CHINGLISH NOT ENGLISH. Oftentimes, it was extremely frustrating because it was difficult if not impossible to understand what they were saying. Their pronunciation was quite poor, so even once they looked up the proper words, it was still hard to communicate. The hospital markets itself as a friendly English speaking hospital, but I PERSONALLY state that is NOT THE CASE. The head surgeon was assigned to my case and he was on staff only part-time as he lives in Hong Kong. I found the junior surgeon and staff to be arrogant, unfriendly, NOT shy. They were very unresponsive to many of my questions and I found myself having to repeat my questions. I had to insist on getting answers. Again, I understand that Chinese people don't typically ask questions to doctors (who apparently at this hospital have the mindset that they are Gods), but this is a medical care facility. As a patient, I expect to be able to ask questions, but I didn't feel that the staff were receptive. In fact, it was impossible to speak to the head-surgeon when I returned to the hospital for follow-up exam 2 months later. Instead I was referred to the junior surgeon who out right refused to get me in touch with the head surgeon who spoke better English. Furthermore, he was recommending further life altering surgery without even doing a proper follow-up physical exam. Communication became impossible, so I went to Peking University Hospital to get a 2nd opinion. At that hospital I was treated with dignity and given a medical translator. The specialist doctor there, recommended I go to Guangzhou to get more treatment options. If I had to rate the care of each of these hospitals, I would give Peking University Hospital an A- (cleanliness could be improved, but it is China) Hong Kong University Hospital would get a D because poor communication impacted the quality of my care. My diagnosis would have been made much earlier if the communication was better. Also, I never received the proper follow-up care," said one expat.

"Emergency services in China are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 120, which is the national emergency number. This number is toll-free and can be dialed from any phone, including landlines and mobile phones. Once the call is connected, the operator will ask for the caller's location and the nature of the emergency. The operator will then dispatch an ambulance to the location," remarked one expat in China.

"Due to its population size and large medical system, China has a wide selection of specialists available throughout its major cities. Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou are known for providing high-quality medical services and feature some of the best medical specialists in the country. Other major cities like Chongqing, Harbin, and Chengdu also have well-equipped hospitals and reputable medical practices, providing access to quality care across the country. Furthermore, some rural areas of China boast excellent doctors and hospitals, and are often more accessible than those in the larger cities," commented one expat who moved to China.

"I went to Guangzhou Modern Hospital in Guangzhou because they specialize in treatments for cancer and other serious diseases. The population of Shenzhen is still very young overall, so I was advised by a specialist doctor at Peking University Hospital to go to Guangzhou for follow-up to my cancer surgery. Although the doctors and many of the staff spoke decent English, I was provided with a medical translator. The doctors were very caring, professional and extremely knowledgeable with outstanding qualifications. However, the facility was old and by Western standards, not very clean. I think having good doctors is more important that a fancy medical facility," said one expat.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in China. Many of the same medications that are available in other countries are also available in China, although the exact brands and formulations may vary. In addition, some medications that are not available in other countries may be available in China. In general, most medications that are prescribed by doctors in China are available in pharmacies," commented one expat who moved to China.

"There are pharmacies located throughout the city and within both major hospitals. I was prescribed a variety of medications, but only took a few. Compared to medications in the USA they are NOT expensive," said one expat.

"Medical facilities and medical care in China have generally improved in recent years, with many major cities boasting well-equipped and modern hospitals. China spends a considerable amount of money on medical care, providing medical insurance to citizens and implementing reforms to hospitals and medical services. Chinese medical professionals have developed a good reputation for providing quality medical services, and modern medical technology is increasingly adopted in major hospitals, especially in more affluent cities," said one expat.

"Yes, foreigners living in China have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally speaking, the public healthcare system in China is well-developed and provides a wide range of services. In most cities, there are both public and private hospitals, and the public hospitals are usually well-equipped and staffed with experienced doctors and nurses. In addition, the cost of medical care in public hospitals is usually much lower than in private hospitals, making it a more affordable option for many people," commented one expat living in China.

"The pandemic has had a major impact on the healthcare system in China. Hospitals have been overwhelmed with patients, and many have had to set up temporary facilities to cope with the influx of people seeking medical attention. Doctors and nurses have been working around the clock to provide care to those in need. The government has also implemented strict measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers, such as requiring them to wear protective gear and limiting the number of visitors allowed in hospitals. Despite the challenges, the healthcare system in China has been able to provide quality care to those affected by the pandemic," said an expat in China.